The pose is awkward. The only thing (visible) that is holding the feline up is the Man's arm. This means that gravity would "bisect" the feline eventually. Like a very young child, carrying a cat in a loving but uncomfortable (for the cat) way, While the hug works for me on an emotional and expression level, I would re work the composition a bit. It's cut in too close, Show a bit more of both the Man and the feline, so that his arm passes under the feline's body in more of a "scoop" That supports the feline body, and deepens the affection as the man holds his friend. Alternately, I would consider having the Cat stand (lean) on the Man's arms, crossed over his chest. This allows the Cat and the man to be at the same "Head Level". It also allows the feline forepaws to pass over and behind the Man's shoulders and neck, and might allow for their gazes and lines of sight to match one another. It's a very nice picture on the whole, but as someone who has spent time holding show cats, Lion, and Tiger cubs, the pose and the composition set off red lights, if you know what I mean. I see a lot of Chuck Jones in the feline face and expression as is. Nice job.